The North Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Hours

3. Prime

            The Hour of Prime occurs toward 6 a.m. and the thought expounded   in this window is our offering of the day’s work to God the Father in and with Christ. God is asked to bless as well as to accept the forthcoming efforts; therefore the large hands at the top of the window: one in an attitude of blessing and the other in the attitude of receiving.   This window pays tribute to the Norbertine Order in its symbolic portrayal of the five ends of the Order, which would in general constitute the work of its members.  These ends as they proceed from the hands at the top downwards are:

1. A special devotion to the Holy Eucharist - symbolized by the chalice, wheat and grapes surmounted by the Chi Rho, a symbol of Christ.
2. A special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially under her title of the Immaculate Conception - suggested by the rosary and the lily.
3. A zeal for the salvation of souls – indicated by the cross and flame (zeal) and the Greek form for “Word” – an admonition to spread the Word of God by preaching the Gospel and teaching the ignorant.
4. The spirit of habitual penance undertaken in union with the passion of Christ – portrayed by the scourge and crown of thorns.
5. The singing of the Liturgy of the Hours - suggested by the figures of the canons in choir.

Outstanding devotion to the Holy Eucharist and to Mary were bequeathed to the Order by its Founder.  The spirit of penance is taken from the monastic orders; the zeal for souls and the solemn celebration of the full liturgy are proper to a canonical order that is both active and contemplative.

            The text “Quicumque vult salvus esse” (whoever wishes to be saved) is taken from the Athanasian Creed recited at Prime on Trinity Sunday.